Breakthrough for Norway as new oilfield could net up to 160-million barrels

By
Euronews

Norway is celebrating after a major new oilfield was found off its coast.

It was found in the Barents Sea, 32 miles off the country’s most northerly tip.

The discovery, which could net up to 160 million barrels of oil, has delighted the government but disappointed environmentalists.

Ola Borten Moe, Norway’s oil and energy minister, said: “This is a great day for Norway. It is very satisfying that we again find oil in the Barents Sea. It is particularly satisfying that this happens in this far north region.”

Frederic Hauge, president of The Bellona Foundation, said: “To be drilling this close to edge of the ice edge, and this close to the island of Bjornoya, is completely unacceptable from my point of view.”

“It is evidence that the oil policies under Ola Borten Moe have got completely out of control, and a new government must straighten this up.”

The discovery was made by Austrian energy giant OMV and partner Statoil.

Oil industry vessels have long been stationed in the area, but today’s discovery was the first breakthrough.